Zorro

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Zorro ran from 1957-59. Walt Disney Productions made the show, set in the 1820's of early California. The Spanish period of California ended in 1821, beginning the Mexican period from 1821-48, and eventual statehood. In the show, Don Diego de la Vega, only son of Don Alejandro, returns to California from the University in Spain to fight the corrupt military. He pretends to be a foppish dandy by day, and becomes the masked swordsman, Zorro (fox) at night. He left his trademark Z carved into signs, trees, and occasionally, the bellies of the bad guys. Zorro was much like the Scarlet Pimpernel or Robin Hood.

Guy Williams, who was actually Hispanic, played Zorro. Gene Sheldon played his mute servant, Bernardo,who pretended to be also deaf. He was able to spy on Zorro/Diego's enemies.

Out of the night,
When the full moon is bright,
Comes the horseman known as Zorro.
This bold renegade
Carves a "Z" with his blade,
A "Z" that stands for Zorro.

Zorro, Zorro, the fox so cunning and free,
Zorro, Zorro, who makes the sign of the Z.

He is polite,
But the wicked take flight
When they catch the sight of Zorro.
He’s friend of the weak,
And the poor and the meek,
This very unique senor Zorro.

Zorro, Zorro, the fox so cunning and free,
Zorro, Zorro, who makes the sign of the Z.